Tap Dance Shoe Assembly, System, and Method

ABSTRACT

A tap dance shoe system and method involving a tap shoe ( 1 ), including a sole ( 10 ), having at least one sole layer ( 6 ) and a toe portion ( 4 ), and a heel ( 5 ), having at least one heel layer ( 6 ) and a heel portion ( 7 ); a toe insert ( 8 ) disposed at the toe portion ( 4 ); a heel insert ( 9 ) disposed at the heel portion ( 7 ); a toe tap ( 10 ) disposed at the toe portion ( 4 ); a heel tap ( 11 ) disposed at the heel portion ( 7 ); a structure ( 12 ) for mounting together the inserts ( 8, 9 ) and the corresponding portions ( 4, 7 ); and a structure ( 13 ) for adjustably coupling the taps ( 10, 11 ) and the corresponding inserts ( 8, 9 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to shoe assemblies, systems, and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to dance shoe assemblies, systems, and methods. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to tap dance shoe assemblies, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND ART

The currently existing art involves conventional tap dance shoes which comprise a tap fastened onto the sole of a shoe by wooden screws. A disadvantage of this conventional configuration is that the wooden screws tend to unduly wear the sole at the threads with time, thereby loosening the tap from the shoe. As such, the tap dancer must frequently seek the assistance of a specialist cobbler in the area of dance shoes for replacing the soles and taps. Another disadvantage with conventional tap shoes is that, once the taps are fastened onto the soles, they are typically “hardwired” into position, i.e., in a fixed position, whereby flexibility is not afforded the tap dancer in enabling any nuances of movement, such as rolling, yawing, and pitching, as well as any combination thereof. Another conventional tap shoe has one center-screw driven into the sole without any reinforcement. Similar disadvantages are related to this configuration, i.e., the tendency to unduly wear at the threads with time, thereby loosening the tap from the shoe.

Further, conventional tap dance shoes comprise taps which are of conventionally fixed sizes. This being so, dancers, having feet that are of intermediate size, extra-small size, or extra-large size, are at a disadvantage and must compromise their performance by using ill-fitting taps. Thus, a long-felt need is seen to exist in the art for a simple, more effective, and user-friendly tap dance shoe assembly, system, and method which accommodate dancers having feet of any size, facilitates and enhances the dancers' performance, and eliminates the need for the assistance of a specialist dance shoe cobbler.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a simple, more effective, and user-friendly tap dance shoe assembly, system, and method which address the problems experienced in the art. The present invention accommodates dancers having feet of any size, facilitates and enhances the dancers' performance, and eliminates the need for the assistance of a specialist dance shoe cobbler.

Generally, the present invention tap assembly, comprises the following elements: an insert; a replaceable tap; a soundboard disposed between the tap and the insert; and a structure for adjustably coupling the tap and the insert, wherein the adjustable coupling structure comprises: at least one standoff disposed between the tap and the insert for damping vibration; and at least one fastener disposed through the at least one standoff, wherein the adjustable coupling structure comprises a movable angular relation between the tap and the insert for facilitating mechanical pivoting, and wherein the adjustable coupling structure comprises a translational adjustment between the tap and the insert for facilitating sonic tuning, and wherein the movable angular relation comprises at least one movement selected from a group consisting of rolling, pitching, and yawing. The soundboard can vary in thickness and material to facilitate different sounds. The insert of the present assembly is insertable into a shoe for tap dancing. This insertable feature is discussed, infra, with respect to the present system. The tap is easily replaceable by disassembling/assembling the at least one fastener.

The present invention tap dance shoe system comprises the following elements: a tap shoe, including a sole, having at least one layer and a toe portion, and a heel, having at least one layer and a heel portion; a toe insert disposed at the toe portion; a heel insert disposed at the heel portion; a replaceable toe tap disposed at the toe portion; a replaceable heel tap disposed at the heel portion; a structure for mounting together the inserts and the corresponding portions; and a structure for adjustably coupling the taps and the corresponding inserts. The present system further comprises a soundboard being disposed between the tap and the corresponding insert. The soundboard can vary in thickness and material to facilitate different sounds.

The present tap dance shoe method generally comprises the following steps: providing a tap shoe including a sole, having at least one layer and a toe portion, and a heel having at least one layer and a heel portion; disposing a toe insert at the toe portion; disposing a heel insert at the heel portion; disposing a replaceable toe tap at the toe portion; disposing a replaceable heel tap at the heel portion; mounting together the inserts and the corresponding portions; and adjustably coupling the taps and the corresponding inserts. The present method further comprises the step of disposing a soundboard between the tap and the corresponding insert. The soundboard can vary in thickness and material to facilitate different sounds.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages of the present invention, other advantages include providing user-friendly adjustment of the tap in relation to the insert using simple hand tools by the dancer, providing flexibility hitherto unknown to the tap dancer in enabling further movement of the tap, such as rolling, yawing, and pitching, as well as a combination thereof, whereby desirable nuances of sound are emitted, allowing the dancer to fine-tune the tapping sounds, allowing the dancer to easily substitute a tap of a given material and thickness for achieving a desired sound, allowing the dancer to easily substitute a soundboard of a given material and thickness for achieving a desired sound, minimizing unwanted vibrations by using the standoff element, and eliminating the misfortune of the tap loosening from the shoe, especially during a performance. Any reference herein to a tap includes the ability of it to be a replaceable tap. Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent, in the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Invention,” disclosed, infra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawing.

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a pair of tap dance shoe soles with heels, each sole having at least one layer removed from its lower surface at the toe portion for accommodating a toe insert and each heel having at least one layer removed at the heel portion for accommodating a heel insert, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a pair of tap dance shoe soles, each sole having at least one layer removed from its upper surface at the toe portion for accommodating a toe insert, and showing a toe insert disposed in the upper right sole, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heel having at least one layer removed at the heel portion for accommodating a heel insert as shown, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heel insert having two holes for mounting the heel insert onto the heel at the heel portion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a soundboard disposed on an upper surface of a left toe tap, wherein three standoffs are formed on the tap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a toe tap assembly and a heel tap assembly, having a structure for adjustably coupling the replaceable tap and insert, each tap having a thickness gradient, each insert having a distinct thickness, shown separately for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toe tap assembly and a heel tap assembly, having a structure for adjustably coupling the replaceable tap and insert, each having three standoffs formed on the respective taps, the heel insert having two mounting holes, the toe insert having three mounting holes, shown separately disassembled for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a replaceable toe tap and a replaceable heel tap, each having three standoffs formed thereon, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a toe insert prior to its disposition in the sole during fabrication, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 a is a bottom view of the heel insert, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 b is a perspective view of the heel insert, showing its upper surface. FIG. 10 c is a perspective view of the heel insert, showing its lower surface. FIG. 10 d is a rear view of the heel insert. FIG. 10 e is a side view of the heel insert.

FIG. 11 a is a bottom view of the heel tap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 b is a rear view of the heel tap. FIG. 11 c is a side view of the heel tap. FIG. 11 d is a perspective view of the heel tap, showing its upper surface.

FIG. 12 a is a bottom view of the toe insert, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 b is a perspective view of the toe insert, showing its bottom surface. FIG. 12 c is a rear view of the toe insert. FIG. 12 d is a side view of the toe insert.

FIG. 13 a is a top view of the toe tap, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 b is a rear view of the toe tap. FIG. 13 c is a side view of the toe tap. FIG. 13 d is a perspective view of the toe tap, showing its upper surface.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a toe tap assembly, having three standoffs, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a heel tap assembly, having three standoffs, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of multiple toe and heel inserts, each having three standoffs formed on the respective inserts, multiple toe and heel taps and multiple toe and heel soundboards, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of multiple toe and heel inserts, each having three standoffs formed on the respective inserts, multiple toe and heel taps and multiple toe and heel soundboards, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a toe and heel insert, each having three standoffs formed on the respective inserts, a toe and heel tap and a toe and heel soundboard, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a heel having at least one layer removed at the heel portion for accommodating a heel insert and a perspective view of a heel insert having three standoffs formed thereon, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of heel having at least one layer removed at the heel portion for accommodating a heel insert with three standoffs formed thereon as shown, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a soundboard, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 22 is side view of a toe tap assembly and a heel tap assembly, having a structure for adjustably coupling the replaceable tap and insert, each tap having a thickness gradient, each insert having a distinct thickness, shown separately for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a heel tap assembly, having a structure for adjustably coupling the replaceable heel tap and heel insert, the heel insert having three standoffs formed thereon and the soundboard disposed between the heel tap and heel insert, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a toe tap assembly, having a structure for adjustably coupling the replaceable toe tap and toe insert, the toe insert having three standoffs formed thereon and the soundboard disposed between the toe tap and toe insert, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a tap dance shoe sole, the sole having at least one layer removed from its upper surface at the toe portion for accommodating a toe insert, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Details of the present system S follow and are shown in FIGS. 1-25, described, infra, according to the present invention. The adjustable coupling structure 13 (not shown) comprises: at least one standoff 15 disposed between the replaceable taps 10, 11 and the corresponding inserts 8, 9 for damping vibration; and at least one fastener 17 disposed through the at least one standoff 15 which can be a machine screw, a set screw, and a ball joint. The fastener 17 comprises a feature such as a variable length and a set of fastening members, each having a distinct length, for facilitating loosening or tightening of the taps 10, 11, and whereby sound tuning of the system S is effected. The fastener 17 comprises a length in a range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 20 mm, preferably in a range of approximately 12.2 mm to approximately 18.6 mm, with a preferred length of approximately 15.4 mm. The fastener 17 can be long head Phillips screw having a preferred diameter of 6/32 inch. The standoff 15 is hollow to accommodate the fastener 17. The adjustable coupling structure 13 comprises a movable angular relation between the taps 10, 11 and the respective inserts 8, 9 for facilitating mechanical pivoting as well as a translational adjustment between the taps 10, 11 and the respective inserts 8, 9 for facilitating sonic tuning. The movable angular relation comprises at least one movement such as rolling, pitching, and yawing. The respective inserts 8, 9 comprise at least one feature such as at least one cavity 18 for minimizing mass and at least one rib 19 for providing structural reinforcement. The toe insert 8 is disposed in the at least one sole layer 3. The heel insert 9 is disposed in the at least one heel layer 6. The soundboard 14 is disposed between the tap 10,11 and insert 8, 9 having at least one cavity for disposing at least one standoff. At least one sole layer or at least one heel layer may be laid between the soundboard 14 and the insert 8, 9.

Also in regards to the present system S, the respective taps 10, 11 comprise at least one material such as a metal and a metal alloy. The respective inserts 8, 9 comprise at least one material such as a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, and a metal matrix composite. Similarly, the soundboard 14 comprises at least one material such as a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, and a metal matrix composite. The foregoing metal comprises an element such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and gold (Au). The foregoing alloy comprises a mixture of at least two elements such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and gold (Au).

The inserts 8, 9 comprise at least one mounting hole 16 for facilitating their mounting to the corresponding portions 4, 7; and the mounting structure 12 comprises at least one element such as a rivet extending through the at least one mounting hole 16 and into the corresponding portion, a screw extending through the at least one mounting hole 16 and into the corresponding portions 4, 7, a post formed on an upper surface of the inserts 8, 9 and extending into the corresponding portions 4, 7 via an interference fit, an adhesive applied between the inserts 8, 9 and the corresponding portions 4, 7, and an adhesive applied through the at least one mounting hole 16 and onto the corresponding portions 4, 7.

Details of the present method M follow and are shown in FIGS. 1-25, described, infra, according to the present invention. The step of adjustably coupling comprises: disposing at least one standoff 15 between the taps 10, 11 and the corresponding inserts 8, 9 for damping vibration; and disposing at least one fastener 17 through the at least one standoff 15 which can be a machine screw, a set screw, a ball joint. The step of disposing the standoff 15 comprises providing the standoff 15 in a hollow form to accommodate the fastener 17. The step of disposing the fastener 17 comprises providing a feature of the fastener 17 such as a variable length and a set of fastening members, each having a distinct length, for facilitating loosening or tightening of the taps 10, 11, and thereby effecting sound tuning (of the system S). The step of adjustably coupling comprises providing a movable angular relationship between the taps 10, 11 and the respective inserts 8, 9 for facilitating mechanical pivoting. The step of adjustably coupling comprises providing a translational adjustment between the taps 10, 11 and the respective inserts 8, 9 for facilitating sonic tuning. The step of providing the movable angular relation comprises providing an adjustably coupling structure 13 (not shown) for allowing at least one movement such as rolling, pitching, and yawing. The step of disposing the respective inserts 8, 9 comprises providing at least one feature such as at least one cavity 18 for minimizing mass and at least one rib 19 for providing structural reinforcement. The step of disposing the toe insert 8, 9 comprises disposing the toe insert 8 in the at least one sole layer 3. The step of disposing the heel insert 9 comprises the step of disposing the heel insert 9 in the at least one heel layer 6. The step of disposing the soundboard 14 comprises disposing the soundboard 14 between the tap 10, 11 and the insert 8, 9, the soundboard 14 having at least one cavity for disposing at least one standoff 15. At least one sole layer or at least one heel layer may be laid between the soundboard 14 and the insert 8, 9.

Also in relation to the present method M, the respective steps of disposing the taps 10, 11 comprise forming the taps 10, 11 from at least one material such as a metal and a metal alloy. The respective steps of disposing the inserts 8, 9 comprise forming the inserts 8, 9 from the at least one material selected from a group consisting essentially of a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, and a metal matrix composite. Likewise, the step of disposing the soundboard 14 comprises forming the soundboard 14 from at least one material selected from a group consisting essentially of a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, and a metal matrix composite. The foregoing forming and providing steps may comprise providing the foregoing metal comprising an element such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and gold (Au). The foregoing forming and providing steps may comprise providing the foregoing alloy comprising a mixture of at least two elements such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), and gold (Au). The foregoing forming and providing steps may comprise a technique such as machining and rapid prototyping.

The step of providing the mounting structure 12 comprises providing at least one element such as a rivet extending through the at least one mounting hole 16 and into the corresponding portions 4, 7, a screw extending through the at least one mounting hole 16 and into the corresponding portions 4, 7, a post formed on an upper surface of the inserts 8, 9 and extending into the corresponding portions 4, 7 via an interference fit, an adhesive applied between the inserts 8, 9 and the corresponding portions 4, 7, and an adhesive applied through the at least one mounting hole 16 and onto the corresponding portions 4, 7.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a bottom view, a pair of tap dance shoe soles 2 with heels 5, each sole 2 having at least one sole layer 3 removed from its lower surface at the toe portion 4 for accommodating a heel insert (not shown) and each heel 5 having at least one heel layer 6 removed from its lower surface at the heel portion 7 for accommodating a heel insert 9 (not shown), in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a top view, the soles 2, as shown in FIG. 1, each sole 2 having at least one sole layer 3 removed from its upper surface at the toe portion 4 for accommodating a toe insert 8, and now showing a toe insert 8 disposed in the upper surface of the right sole 2, in accordance with the present invention. The toe insert 8 has a width in a range of approximately 40 mm to approximately 70.2 mm and a length in a range of approximately 36.8 mm to approximately 60 mm, wherein the toe insert 8 is provided in a preferred width and a preferred length which accommodates the foot size of the tap dancer.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a perspective view, a heel 5, as shown in FIG. 1, having at least one heel layer 6 removed at the heel portion 7 for accommodating a heel insert 9, in accordance with the present invention. The heel insert 9 has a width in a range of approximately 33 mm to approximately 55 mm and a length in a range of approximately 31.4 mm to approximately 60 mm, wherein the heel insert 9 is provided in a preferred width and a preferred length which accommodates the foot size of the tap dancer.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in a perspective view, a heel insert 9 having two mounting holes 16 for mounting the heel insert 9 onto the heel 5 at the heel portion 7 (not shown), in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in a perspective view, a soundboard 14 disposed on an upper surface of a left toe tap 10 in a template fashion, wherein three standoffs 15 are formed on the toe tap 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in a side view, a toe tap assembly 20 and a heel tap assembly 21, each tap 10, 11 having three standoffs 15 therebetween disposed, shown separately for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each tap 10, 11 has a thickness gradient, wherein the toe tap 10 has a thickness gradient with decreasing thickness from forward of the toe tap 10 to aft of the toe tap 10, and wherein the heel tap 11 has a thickness gradient with increasing thickness from forward of the heel tap 11 to aft of the heel tap 11. In particular, the toe tap 10 has a perimeter or outboard thickness (a lip thickness) and an inboard thickness, as described, infra, in relation to FIG. 13 c. The toe tap 10 has an outboard thickness range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm and a preferred outboard thickness range of approximately 2.28 mm to approximately 5.95 mm, decreasing in thickness from forward to aft of the toe tap 10. The toe tap 10 has an inboard thickness range of approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2 mm and a preferred inboard thickness range of approximately 1.76 mm to approximately 1.88 mm, decreasing in thickness from forward to aft of the toe tap 10. Likewise, the heel tap 11 has a perimeter or outboard thickness (a lip thickness) and an inboard thickness, as described, infra, in relation to FIG. 11 c. The heel tap 11 has an outboard thickness range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm and a preferred outboard thickness range of approximately 3.2 mm to approximately 5.91 mm, increasing in thickness from forward to aft of the heel tap 11. The heel tap 11 has an inboard thickness range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm and a preferred inboard thickness range of approximately 1.1 mm to approximately 2.91 mm, increasing in thickness from forward to aft of the heel tap 11. In addition, the toe insert 8 has a thickness that is distinct from that of the heel insert 9.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, a toe tap assembly 20 and a heel tap assembly 21, each having three standoffs 15 formed on the respective taps 10, 11, the toe insert 8 having three mounting holes 16, the heel insert 9 having two mounting holes 16, shown separately disassembled for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The standoffs 15 are shown as being formed on the taps 10, 11 for a complementary fit with the receiving recesses 22, by example only. Conversely, the standoffs 15 could be formed on the inserts 8, 9 while the receiving recesses 22 may be formed in the taps 10, 11 (See description of FIGS. 14 and 15, infra). The standoffs 15 formed on the toe tap 10 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm to approximately 4 mm with a preferred inner diameter of approximately 3.5 mm. The inner diameter is provided in a dimension which accommodates the size of the fastener 17. The standoffs 15 formed on the toe tap 10 can have a length of approximately 9 mm to approximately 13 mm with a preferred length of approximately 9.45 mm for the aft standoffs 15 and a preferred length of approximately 12.07 mm for the forward standoff 15. Also, the standoffs 15 formed on the heel tap 11 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm and a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.77 mm. The standoffs 15 formed on the heel tap 11 can have a length of approximately 10 mm to approximately 11 mm with a preferred length of approximately 10.77 mm.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, a toe tap 10 and a heel tap 11, each having three standoffs 15 formed thereon, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in a perspective view, a toe insert 8 prior to its disposition in the sole 2 during fabrication, in accordance with method M of the present invention.

FIG. 10 a illustrates, in a bottom view, the heel insert 9. FIG. 10 b illustrates, in a perspective view, the heel insert 9, showing its upper surface having the threaded through-holes 23, by example only, for accommodating a fastener 17, which may comprise complementary threads. FIG. 10 c illustrates, in a perspective view, the heel insert 9, showing its lower surface having the receiving recesses 22 and the threaded through-holes 23. The recesses 22 of the heel insert 9 have a diameter in a range of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred diameter of approximately 7.7 mm and a depth in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm with a preferred depth of approximately 2.25 mm. FIG. 10 d illustrates, in a rear view, the heel insert 9. FIG. 10 e illustrates, in a side view, the heel insert 9.

FIG. 11 a illustrates, in a bottom view, the heel tap 11. FIG. 11 b illustrates, in a rear view, the heel tap 11. FIG. 11 c illustrates, in a side view, the heel tap 11. FIG. 11 d illustrates, in a perspective view, the heel tap 11, showing its upper surface. The heel tap 11 has a width in a range of approximately 50 mm to approximately 79 mm and a length in a range of approximately 55 mm to approximately 63.7 mm, wherein the heel tap 11 is provided in a preferred width and a preferred length which accommodates the foot size of the tap dancer.

FIG. 12 a illustrates, in a bottom view, the toe insert 8. FIG. 12 b illustrates, in a perspective view, the toe insert 8, showing its bottom surface having the cavities 18, the receiving recesses 22, the threaded through-holes 23, and the ribs 19 therein formed, by example only. The recesses 22 of the toe insert 8 have a diameter in a range of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred diameter of approximately 7.7 mm and a depth in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm with a preferred depth of approximately 2.25 mm. FIG. 12 c illustrates, in a rear view, the toe insert 8. FIG. 12 d illustrates, in a side view, the toe insert 8.

FIG. 13 a illustrates, in a top view, the toe tap 10. FIG. 13 b illustrates, in a rear view, the toe tap 10. FIG. 13 c illustrates, in a side view, the toe tap 10. FIG. 13 d illustrates, in a perspective view, the toe tap 10, showing its upper surface. The toe tap 10 has a width in a range of approximately 75 mm to approximately 106 mm and a length in a range of approximately 66 mm to approximately 91 mm, wherein the toe tap 10 is provided in a preferred width and a preferred length which accommodates the foot size of the tap dancer.

FIG. 14 illustrates, in a side view, the toe tap assembly, having three standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this alternative embodiment, the standoffs 15 have a 6/32 inch diameter×5 mm thread formed on their inner surface for accommodating a fastener 17 such as 6/32 inch diameter×15.4 mm long Phillips head screw, by example only.

FIG. 15 illustrates, in a perspective view, the heel tap assembly, having three standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates, in a perspective view, multiple toe tap assemblies 20 and heel tap assemblies 21, each assembly having three standoffs 15 formed on the respective inserts 8, 9, the respective taps 10,11 having receiving recesses 22, shown separately disassembled for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The standoffs 15 are shown as being formed on the inserts 8, 9 for a complementary fit with the receiving recesses 22, by example only. Conversely, the standoffs 15 could be formed on the taps 10,11 while the receiving recesses 22 may be formed in the inserts 8, 9 (See description of FIG. 7, infra). The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm to approximately 4 mm with a preferred inner diameter of approximately 3.5 mm. The inner diameter is provided in a dimension which accommodates the size of the fastener 17. The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have a length of approximately 9 mm to approximately 13 mm with a preferred length of approximately 9.45 mm for the aft standoffs 15 and a preferred length of approximately 12.07 mm for the forward standoff 15. Also, the standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm and a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.77 mm. The standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have a length of approximately 10 mm to approximately 11 mm with a preferred length of approximately 10.77 mm.

FIG. 17 illustrates, in an alternative perspective view as shown in FIG. 16, multiple toe tap assemblies 20 and heel tap assemblies 21, each assembly having three standoffs 15 formed on the respective inserts 8, 9, the respective taps 10,11 having receiving recesses 22, shown separately disassembled for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The standoffs 15 are shown as being formed on the inserts 8, 9 for a complementary fit with the receiving recesses 22, by example only. Conversely, the standoffs 15 could be formed on the taps 10,11 while the receiving recesses 22 may be formed in the inserts 8, 9 (See description of FIG. 7, infra). The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm to approximately 4 mm with a preferred inner diameter of approximately 3.5 mm. The inner diameter is provided in a dimension which accommodates the size of the fastener 17. The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have a length of approximately 9 mm to approximately 13 mm with a preferred length of approximately 9.45 mm for the aft standoffs 15 and a preferred length of approximately 12.07 mm for the forward standoff 15. Also, the standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm and a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.77 mm. The standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have a length of approximately 10 mm to approximately 11 mm with a preferred length of approximately 10.77 mm.

FIG. 18 illustrates, in a perspective view, a toe tap assembly 20 and heel tap assembly 21, having three standoffs 15 formed on the respective inserts 8, 9, the respective taps 10,11 having receiving recesses 22, shown separately disassembled for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The standoffs 15 are shown as being formed on the inserts 8, 9 for a complementary fit with the receiving recesses 22, by example only. Conversely, the standoffs 15 could be formed on the taps 10,11 while the receiving recesses 22 may be formed in the inserts 8, 9 (See description of FIG. 7, infra). The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm with a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm to approximately 4 mm with a preferred inner diameter of approximately 3.5 mm. The inner diameter is provided in a dimension which accommodates the size of the fastener 17. The standoffs 15 formed on the toe insert 8 can have a length of approximately 9 mm to approximately 13 mm with a preferred length of approximately 9.45 mm for the aft standoffs 15 and a preferred length of approximately 12.07 mm for the forward standoff 15. Also, the standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm to approximately 8 mm and a preferred outer diameter of approximately 7.77 mm. The standoffs 15 formed on the heel insert 9 can have a length of approximately 10 mm to approximately 11 mm with a preferred length of approximately 10.77 mm.

FIG. 19 illustrates, in a perspective view, a heel insert 9 having three standoffs 15 formed thereon prior to its disposition in the sole 2 during fabrication, in accordance with method M of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates, in a perspective view, a heel 5, having at least one heel layer 6 removed at the heel portion 7 for accommodating a heel insert 9, in accordance with the present invention. The heel insert 9 has a width in a range of approximately 33 mm to approximately 55 mm and a length in a range of approximately 31.4 mm to approximately 60 mm, wherein the heel insert 9 is provided in a preferred width and a preferred length which accommodates the foot size of the tap dancer. The heel insert 9 having three standoffs 15 formed thereon.

FIG. 21 illustrates, in perspective view, a soundboard 14 having a cavity for disposing three standoffs 15 through it.

FIG. 22 illustrates, in a side view, a toe tap assembly 20 and a heel tap assembly 21, each insert 8, 9 and tap 10,11 having three standoffs 15 therebetween disposed, and a soundboard 14 disposed between the respective insert 8,9 and tap 10,11 shown separately for clarity only, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each tap 10, 11 has a thickness gradient, wherein the toe tap 10 has a thickness gradient with decreasing thickness from forward of the toe tap 10 to aft of the toe tap 10, and wherein the heel tap 11 has a thickness gradient with increasing thickness from forward of the heel tap 11 to aft of the heel tap 11. In particular, the toe tap 10 has a perimeter or outboard thickness (a lip thickness) and an inboard thickness, as described, infra, in relation to FIG. 13 c. The toe tap 10 has an outboard thickness range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm and a preferred outboard thickness range of approximately 2.28 mm to approximately 5.95 mm, decreasing in thickness from forward to aft of the toe tap 10. The toe tap 10 has an inboard thickness range of approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2 mm and a preferred inboard thickness range of approximately 1.76 mm to approximately 1.88 mm, decreasing in thickness from forward to aft of the toe tap 10. Likewise, the heel tap 11 has a perimeter or outboard thickness (a lip thickness) and an inboard thickness, as described, infra, in relation to FIG. 11 c. The heel tap 11 has an outboard thickness range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm and a preferred outboard thickness range of approximately 3.2 mm to approximately 5.91 mm, increasing in thickness from forward to aft of the heel tap 11. The heel tap 11 has an inboard thickness range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm and a preferred inboard thickness range of approximately 1.1 mm to approximately 2.91 mm, increasing in thickness from forward to aft of the heel tap 11. In addition, the toe insert 8 has a thickness that is distinct from that of the heel insert 9.

FIG. 23 illustrates in exploded view, the heel assembly 21 having a heel tap 11 with three receiving recesses 22, a soundboard 14 having three cavities for three standoffs 15 to be disposed through, and a heel insert 9 having three standoffs 15 formed thereon in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates in exploded view, the toe assembly 20 having a toe tap 10 with three receiving recesses 22, a soundboard 14 having three cavities for three standoffs 15 to be disposed through, and a toe insert 8 having three standoffs 15 formed thereon in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom view, of a tap dance shoe soles 2, having at least one sole layer 3 removed from its surface at the toe portion 4, in accordance with the present invention.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention, the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a assembly or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, various changes and modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention industrially relates to shoe assemblies, systems, and methods. More particularly, the present invention industrially relates to dance shoe assemblies, systems, and methods. Even more particularly, the present invention industrially relates to tap dance shoe assemblies, systems, and methods. 

1. A tap assembly, comprising: an insert; a replaceable tap; a soundboard disposed between the insert and the tap; and a structure for adjustably coupling the insert and the tap.
 2. An assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert comprises at least one cavity, whereby mass can be minimized; and at least one rib, whereby structural reinforcement can be provided.
 3. An assembly, as recited in claim 2, wherein the insert comprises at least one of the following: a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite or a metal matrix composite.
 4. An assembly, as recited in claim 3, wherein the insert comprises at least one mounting hole, whereby the insert can be disposed in a layer of a shoe.
 5. An assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the tap comprises at least one of the following: a metal or a metal alloy.
 6. An assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the soundboard comprises at least one of the following: a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a composite, a ceramic fiber composite, a carbon fiber composite, or a metal matrix composite.
 7. An assembly, as recited in claim 6, wherein the soundboard has at least one cavity for disposing at least one standoff.
 8. An assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein the structure for adjustably coupling the insert and the tap comprises: at least one standoff disposed between the insert and the tap for damping vibration and at least one fastener disposed through the at least one standoff.
 9. An assembly, as recited in claim 8, wherein the structure for adjustably coupling the insert and the tap is a means for moveable angular relation between the insert and the tap, whereby mechanical pivoting can be facilitated.
 10. An assembly, as recited in claim 8, wherein the structure for adjustably coupling the insert and the tap is a means for translational adjustment between the insert and the tap, whereby sonic tuning is facilitated.
 11. An assembly, as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener is selected from a group consisting of a machine screw, a set screw, and a ball joint.
 12. An assembly, as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a feature such as variable length, whereby a set of fastening members, each having a distinct length is a means for loosening or tightening the taps which can facilitate sound tuning.
 13. An assembly, as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener is a means for disassembling/reassembling the assembly to replace a tap.
 14. An assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener is a means for disassembling/reassembling the assembly to change a soundboard.
 15. An assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one standoff is formed on the tap.
 16. An assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one standoff is formed on the insert.
 17. An assembly, as recited in claim 9, wherein moveable angular rotation comprises at least one movement selected from a group consisting of rolling, pitching and yawing.
 18. A tap dance shoe system, comprising: a tap shoe; a tap assembly having replaceable taps disposed near a toe portion and near a heel portion of the tap shoe; and a structure for adjustably coupling the taps to the tap assembly.
 19. A system, as recited in claim 18, wherein the tap assembly comprises: an insert; a replaceable tap; and a soundboard disposed between the insert and the tap.
 20. A system, as recited in claim 19, wherein the structure for adjustably coupling the taps to the tap assembly comprises at least one standoff disposed between the insert and the tap for damping vibration and at least one fastener disposed through the at least one standoff. 